Promise Me Read Online Free Page A

position on the sofa. “Katrina kept me company for a while, but I told her it was much too lovely a day to waste inside.”
    “ Becca’s not with you?”
    “ My daughter neglected her French lesson this morning and is now suffering the consequences.”
    “ Well, I hope the punishment isn’t too severe.”
    “ I daresay she’ll survive.” Anne Ashburn, eight months along with her second child, reached inside her reticule and brought out a letter. “This came last evening.”
    Leah opened it and scanned the contents.
    “ How much does she want this time?” Anne inquired.
    “ Nothing. She’s requesting that I meet her at the Imperial Inn.”
    “ Why?”
    “ She doesn’t say. Perhaps Edwin needs me.”
    “ If that vile creature had considered her child’s health while she carried him, he would not have been born a cripple.”
    “ Please do not refer to Edwin as a cripple. Once I’ve saved enough money, I’ll take him to a reputable doctor.”
    “ How can you save when all your coin goes to that trollop? And taking Edwin to a doctor, reputable or otherwise, would not be wise.”
    “ I never should’ve involved you, Anne.”
    “ Adrian should’ve never involved you .”
    Leah sighed. “I’m sorry to rush off, but I mustn’t tarry if I’m to make Cambridge Town before night.”
    “ I thought that would be your decision.” Her ladyship made an attempt to rise. “I’m going with you.”
    “ Here let me help you. And no. You’re too far along.”
    “ I do nothing more strenuous than deliver notes from that Spanish tart. I’m going with you, Leah, and I’ll hear no argument.” She massaged the small of her back. “Why must you continue to shoulder the responsibility for Adrian’s sins?”
    “ You know exactly why.”
    “ Can you not see this is a mistake?”
    “ Anne, you are a kind person. How can you look at Edwin’s sweet face and not feel sympathy?”
    “ For the child? Yes, of course. But not for his conniving mother. I have no sympathy toward her kind, and you shouldn’t either. Cut the purse strings, and you’ll see how quickly she’s find another besotted gentleman to warm her bed.”
    Heat rose in Leah’s cheeks.
    “ Oh, why was I cursed with such a blunt tongue? Truthfully, Leah, I do not plan to wound you with pointed reminders of Adrian’s betrayal. They simply slip out.” Anne tugged at the frilly lace on one sleeve of her gown. “I noticed you left the Harvest Ball rather early last evening. A headache, was it?”
    “ Not exactly.”
    “ Poor dear. You must’ve spied Adrian’s ghost wherever you glanced. Perhaps you should consider visiting a clairvoyant. I hear they are in such demand now. Why, even the queen entertains one from time to time.”
    “ I do not require the services of a mystic to sever my association with an arrogant duke.”
    “ Nicolas? What’s he done?”
    “ Accused me of everything…anything. Oh, I don’t know, Anne. He asked too many questions that I couldn’t readily provide the answers to. I cannot blame him for being angry with me.”
    “ I doubt he’s angry with you. He’s probably upset that he was abroad when Adrian died.”
    “ Perhaps. Do you suppose he reads Irma Crandle’s gossip column?”
    “ Unlikely. I realize Miss Crandle has a fondness for snubbing her nose at the nobility, but why she began attacking your character is beyond me.”
    “ Because she’s paid to spread gossip and lies.”
    “ Does your father know?”
    “ No, thank heavens.”
    “ What you’ve done and continue to do for Maria Santiago is far more than any other lady in your position would’ve done. You’re a strong woman, my dear.”
    “ No, I’m a coward. I should’ve confided in the duke.”
    “ About Edwin?”
    Leah nodded.
    “ I’m not sure Nicolas is ready to accept Adrian’s scandalous behavior, but I do know that Adrian never intended to leave this tiresome responsibility on your shoulders. The promise you made…” Anne